Holmes Beach man arrested for shooting, beating bird to death

A 75-year-old Holmes Beach man faces felony cruelty to an animal charge after what police say was a deadly attack on a great heron.

Laurie Pardee, 671 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, was arrested June 16 after allegedly shooting the heron with a .22 caliber handgun from his porch.

According to police, Pardee shot the animal, but it did not die. Pardee then allegedly began beating the bird with a net and ultimately stomped it to death before throwing the heron into Tampa Bay.

Three adult witnesses saw the incident and contacted police, who noted that Pardee initially admitted to the incident. The bird’s body was recovered.

During the course of the investigation, Joyce Parker, 76, also was arrested for felony tampering with evidence.

According to the report, Parker attempted to hide the handgun from police by placing it in a closet under some linen. Police allege that Parker “made several false statements” during the investigation.

Pardee was charged felony cruelty to an animal and misdemeanor discharging a firearm within city limits, and booked into the Manatee County jail. He was being held on $1,500 bond, but according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Pardee posted bond the same day.

Parker was charged with felony tampering with evidence and misdemeanor obstruction. She initially was held overnight on $1,500 bond, but was released on her own recognizance June 17, according to the MCSO website.

disgusting – as regular visitors from the UK, we love the wildlife especially the birdlife. If there was any justice, someone would shoot him with a .22 and stomp on his neck. Hope he gets the severest criminal penalty available and total rejection by his neighbours